Harkrader & Sarver Account Books

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Harkrader & Sarver Account Books, Ms1940-029, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.3 Cubic Feet 1 box
Abstract:
The Harkrader & Sarver Account Books contain two daybooks from a Christiansburg, Virginia wholesaler in feed, seed and other agricultural products, providing names, dates, goods purchased, and prices for each transaction.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Harkrader & Sarver Account Books, Ms1940-029, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of two daybooks from Harkrader & Sarver, a Christiansburg, Virginia wholesaler of feed, seed and other agricultural products. (The company was probably a forerunner of Harkrader Produce Company, also a Christiansburg produce wholesaler.) Each volume contains entries detailing transaction dates, names of purchasers, goods purchased, and prices. Given the dates covered, it seems likely that the second volume (covering 1930) originated with the Harkrader Produce Company.

Biographical / historical:

Various rubber stamp impressions in the 1921-1922 ledger (see page 295, for example) within this collection indicate that these account books originated with a Christiansburg, Virginia business operating under the name Harkrader & Sarver. The transactions in each ledger suggest that the business was a wholesale produce enterprise, selling seed, feed, fertilizer, poultry, eggs, and other agricultural products. The 1920 census for Montgomery County, Virginia lists only one person named Sarver: Ellis C. Sarver, 20, a produce buyer boarding in the Christiansburg home of John Ellis. Other boarders in the home included Robert R. and Stuart "Hargrader," also described as produce buyers. No information could be found on Harkrader & Sarver. It seems likely that the company was a forerunner of Harkrader Produce Company, established in Christiansburg by Robert R. and Paul D. Harkrader in the 1920s. Harkrader Produce Company closed in 1973. Ledgers from this business may be found in Ms1940-014.

Acquisition information:
The Harkrader Sarver Account Books were acquired by Newman Library prior to 1941.
Appraisal information:

Given the dates covered, it seems likely that the second volume in this collection, covering 1930, originated with the Harkrader Produce Company. Because these two volumes were accessioned separately from the Harkrader Produce Company Account Books (Ms1940-014), however, they have been retained in this separate collection.

Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Harkrader & Sarver Account Books commenced and was completed in September 2011.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard